Phonovision system



Dec. 7, 1943. P. w. LANG PHONOVISION SYSTEM Filed Oct. 17, 1941 4Sheets-Sheet l i f/A Dec. 7, 1943. P. w. LANG PHONOVISION SYSTEM FiledOct. 17, 1941v 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 A. INVENTOR. @9cm/ve, W BY Dec. 7, 1943.P. w. LANG 2,335,864

Y PHoNovIsIoN SYSTEM Filed Oct. 17, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 u /59E12-...1E

w ""vq /50 c' INVENToR.

Patented Dec. 7, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE rnoNovIsIoN SYSTEMPaul W. Lang, Concord, N. H.

Application October 17, 1941, Serial No. 415,464

(Cl. P18-5.2)

Claims.

My invention relates broadly to electrical recording and reproduction ofimages and more particularly to an improved apparatus for recording andreproducing images.

This application is a continuation-impart o1 my application, Serial No.357,999, for Phonovision system, illed September 23, 1940.

One of the objects of. my invention is to provide an improvedconstruction of camera for electrically recording images and reproducingsuch images at a distance.

Another object ol my invention is to provide a construction of camerahaving means for electrically recording images and monitoring suchimages immediately adjacent the operators position while simultaneouslyreproducing and/or recording the images thus monitored at a distance.

A further object of my invention is to provide a system for electricallyreproducing images in natural color simultaneously in a monitoringposition adjacent the operator and in a distant position.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a construction ofimage reproducing apparatus for electrically reproducing imagesaccording to the natural color ofthe original object having means fororienting a scanning color iilter adjacent the observing apparatus forsynchronizing the color screen with the movement of a color iilter atthe camera position for rendering images visible with substantialclarity in natural colors.

Another object of my invention is to provide a circuit arrangement forelectrically recording impulses representative of optical imagesincluding means for electrically controlling the intensity of the colorcomponents oi the electrically produced images.

Still another object of my invention'is to provide a system andapparatus for recording electrical impulsesrepresentative of opticalvalues in which similar` color components of the image are integrallyrecorded inl channels selective to a particular color component withmeans for controlling the eiective intensity of such components. wherebya plurality of color components may be recorded simultaneously.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a system foroptically reproducing images from electrically recorded impulses inwhich similar color values of the image are integrally transmitted overseparate channels selective to impulses representative of predeterminedcolor values and combined for simultaneously reproducing color values ofthe original object as an optical image in natural colors.

Other and further objects of my invention reside in the construction ofcamera and optical reproducing unit as set forth more fully in thespecication` hereinafter following by reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

Figure 1 diagrammatically illustrates the one arrangement of electricalsystem for the camera of my invention including a screen for opticallyreproducing pictures according to the object upon which the camera isfocused While simultaneously reproducing in a remote location orlocations similar pictures and/or electrically recording the impulseselectrically produced by the camera; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional viewtaken through the image monitoring portion of the camera; Fig. 3 is avertical sectional view taken through the image focusing portion of thecamera; Fig. 4 is a rear view of the camera; Fig. 5 is a verticalsectional view through the casing of the camera on line 5 5 of Fig. 2with the cylindrical color filter and color screen elements shown inelevation; Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially online 6-6 of Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view through thecamera showing the optical system and light recording equipment andillustrating the arrangement of the mechanism; Fig. 8 schematicallyillustrates my invention as applied to reproduction of images onrelatively large size screens; Fig. 9 is an end View of the commutatingmechanism employed for selectively 'energizing portions of the glowdischarge devices which are distributed over the area of reproducingscreen `lor the reproduction of an optical image; Fig. 10 is afragmentary perspective schematic View showing the arrangement of theselector for coordinating elementary portions of the reproducing screenwith' the circuits which transmit electrical impulses thereto forselectively energizing the areas of the screen; Fig. 1l is adiagrammatic view of an optical recording system embodying my inventionand in which color values throughout appicture or scene are integratedand recorded in a channel selective to impulses which represent lsimilarcolor values; Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a system of reproducingimpulses according to my invention from a multiple lm record havingseparate channels for similar color values and showing means foroptically reproducing such color values through separate channels forintegrally reproducing on the large size screen the image of theoriginal object; Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of the opticalreproducing apparatus of my invention; Fig. 14 is an end elevation ofthe apparatus shown in Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a horizontal sectional viewtaken on line |-I5 of Fig. 13; Fig. 16 is an end view of the reproducingapparatus showing the is a top plan view of the apparatus of myinvention with parts broken away and illustrated in section.

'My invention is directed to an improved construction of optical pick-upor camera device for converting optical scenes into electrical impulseswith means for monitoring the apparatus directly at the camera at thesame time transmitting the electrical impulsesand reproducing theV sameoptically at a distance. That is to say, the operator at the camera isable to view the electrical reproduction of the scene as it is beingelectrically reproduced at a distance under control of the camera. Theimproved camera construction .of my invention also permits the recordingof electrical impulses corresponding td the views upon which the camerais focused. The recorded 'impulses may be subsequently reproduced fromtime to time. My invention contemplates both the reproduction of -scenesin a relatively small screen area. as well as screen areascomparable insize with standard motion picture screens. The scenes may be reproducedin the monitoring position at the camera in natural color and in theremote position the scenes may be reproduced in natural color on aviewing screen of either relatively small size or upon screens of largearea.

In order to monitor the scenes incolor directly at the camera I providea simplified arrangement of parts which insures the synchronization ofboth the optical recording means as well as the monitoring reproducingmeans. I provide a housing for the camera having a substantiallycylindrical portion within which a shaft is journalled. The shaftcarries a disc-like support having an internal drive means associatedtherewith with gears interposed between the drive means and thedisc-like support for obtaining high rotative speeds necessary inmechanical scanning systems. The disc-like support carries a pair ofcylindrical members which are supported from the disc-like member withthe aid of such supplemental bracing from the rotative shaft as may bedesirable. Each of the cylindrical members are transparent and may beformed from Lucite, glass or other" transparent plastic.

One of the cylindrical members is provided with spirally or diagonallyarranged bands of different colors constituting color filters. Thesecolors may be molded directly into the material of the cylindricalmember or may be superimposed upon the surface thereof, the character ofthe coir being such that light rays freely pass through the cylindricalmember in the course of its passage through the lens system. I haveshown my invention applied to a camera of the stereoscopic type in whicha double objective lens system is employed for directing superimposedimages upon the bank of light-sensitive cells disposed interiorly of thecylindrical member. The bank of light-sensitive cells are arranged toreceive the image focused thereon from the stereoscopic lens system withthe cylindrical member carrying the color filter interposed for movementby the lens system and the bank of light-sensitive cells. The color ltervaccordingly continuously scans the bank of light-sensitive cells withthe eiIect of the viewing screen in elevation; and Fig. 17

optical image focused thereon whereby the cells may be variouslycontrolled according to the natural color of the object upon which thecamera is focused. The complementary cylindrical 5 member supported bythe disc-like member comprises a cylinder carrying translucent strips ofcolor spirally or diagonally arranged on the surface of the cylindricalmember and driven directly in synchronism with the operation of the` .l0color filter of the apparatus for converting light into electricalimpulses as heretofore explained.

The position of the color strips on the second mentioned cylindricalmember is displaced 180 Withrespect tothe corresponding -positions ofthe color filter bands on the rst mentioned cylindrical member wherebythe viewing screen of the monitoring device may be located at the rearof the camera to enable the operator to observe the electrical characterof the pick-up while photo- 20 graphing the object to be reproduced. Themonitoring screen comprises a bank of gaseous discharge tubesindividually arranged in similitude with respect to the positions of thelight-sensitive cells upon which the image is focused. A translucentscreen extends across the bank of electric: discharge tubes `upon whichthe reproduced picture may be viewed. This same type of translucentscreen may be employed in association with auxiliary remotely disposedbanks of electric discharge tubes for reproduction of similar picturesin remote positions. In the monitoring device there is a gaseousdischarge tube for each of the light-sensitive cells in the bank oilight-sensitive cells upon which the image is focused. 'Luminousdischarge is eiected at the camera of selected gaseous discharge tubesaccording to the excitation of particular light sensitive cells and inpositions comparable with the positions of the cells. The eiect of thedischarge 40 is controlled as to color simultaneously with the elect ofthe color scenes upon the correspondingly positioned light-sensitivecells. The fact that the color scene is rotating at precisely the samespeed 'as the color filter insures synchronism between the pick-up andthe monitoring device. The face that a color screen is employed permitsthe use of gaseous discharge tubes of uniform characteristics notsegregated especiallyl as to color. The gaseous discharge tubes at themonitoring screen are operated simultaneously with the operation ofgaseous discharge tubes in the remotely located screen. I control theoperation of both the monitoring screen and the ciples set forth in mycopending application, Serial No. 357,999, led September 23, 1940, forPhonovision system of which this application is a continuation-in-part.That is to say, the impulses from the camera after suitableamplification control a frequency generator which is connected with thefrequency selector, the output of which may lead to any number ofchannels with necessary amplication interposed in each channel. /Theviewing screen constituting the monitoring device is connected in theoutput circuit of the amplifier in one channel while the remote viewingdevice is controlled by the output of an amplier connected in anotherchannel. Any vnumber of such channels may be employed for operating acorresponding number of viewing screens and the amount of amplificationemployed in such channels may be increased according to the transmissionproblem encountered by the impedance of such channel.

If, instead of directly reproducing the colored remotely located screenaccording to the prinl pictures/ it is desired to record the impulsesfor subsequent reproduction, I may directly record the impulsesrepresenting the optical effects directly upon a wax phonograph record,a magnetic telegraphone record. and/or a film record. When using a 4filmrecord I may record all of those impulses representing infinitesimalelements ofthe picture insofar as one color is concerned in one channelwhile recording all of those elemental impulses corresponding to adifferent color in another channel or light wave trace, while theelemental impulses representingstill a different color are recorded instill another light channel, thus simplifying the reproducing processwhere the film is used to reproduce col-l ored pictures.

In employing the system of my invention for the reproduction of picturesin color on screens comparable in size with the area of a standardmotion picture film, I provide each elemental area of the screen with acomposite cluster of gaseous discharge tubes the sections of which areindividually capable of reproducing a light impulse corresponding to theprimary colors of red, blue and yellow, and/or white light. 'I'hechannels of selected frequencies extending from the output of theamplification system are each provided with selectors capable ofrendering the luminous discharge tubes of different colorcharacteristics alternately effective in the output channel. Receipt ofan impulse according to the particular color characteristic of thecorresponding discharge tubes operates to trigger-off that tube whichrenders the elemental area of the screen luminous according to thatparticular color characteristic. Inasmuch as the elemental area of thereproducing screen are each arranged in similitude with respect tocorresponding areas of the light-sensitive cells employed in theoriginal image focusing process, the location of one luminous dischargewith respect to the location of another luminous discharge may becorrelated to form an integral reproduced picture of the original imagein its natural color. Because of persistence of vision, the effect ofthe .gaseous discharge tubes of different color characteristic willblend to produce the integral effect of the original object in colorseven though the individual gaseous discharge tubes may actually beexcited at infinitesimally spaced time intervals.

In controlling the reproduction of color in each of the elemental areasof the large size screen, I provide a commutator device in which asegmental member is employed to control the electrical connection of theindividual color sections of the discharge tubes constituting a clusterin each elemental area of the screen with the output circuit of theamplifier. v/ The lmembers are so displaced relative to eachother thatthe effect of scanning by the original color screen is obtained. Thesegments of the several ring members are actually displaced relative toeach other in substantially diagonal or spiral paths forming elements ofthe cylindrical drum which is built up by the related ring membersforming the circuit controller for the integral operation of all of theelemental areas of the screen.

To insure constant and related speed of operation of the camera, therecorder if used, and/or the scanner for the relatively small sizescreen or the selector for the relatively large size screen, I employsynchronous alternating current motors driven from a timed or constantrate power supply system and preferably the same power supply system sothat the equipment will remain in step and all functions progressedsynchronously. In order to properly position the color screen withrespect to the bank of discharge lamps at the reproducer, I provide inassociation with a rotary cylindrical color screen, a mounting for thedriving motor whereby the motor may be oriented in position forward orbackward to bring the color screen into synchronized posi; tion with thecorresponding position of the color screen used in taking the originalpicture. The color screen may thereby be shifted clockwise orcounterclockwise to secure the maximum visibility of the picture.

Referring to the drawings in detail, Fig. 1 schematically represents acamera pick-up system embodying my invention including a monitoringscreen located adjacent the camera to enable the operator to directlyobserve the scenes upon which the camera is focused, at the same timeoperating a viewing screen remotely located at a distance and at thesame time recording the electrical impulses representative of the scenesupon which the camera is focused. Such recorded impulses may besubsequently repro- ,duced for reproduction of the scene at any desiredtime. Iteference characters i, i', I", I'"

, represent the individual light-sensitive or photoelectric cellsconstituting the bank of light-sensitive cells employed in the cameraand represented structurally at i in Figs. 3, 4, '7, etc., connected tothe input circuit of an audio frequency ampliiier system represented at2 in Fig. 1. The output of the amplifier 2 controls the multiplefrequency selector 3 which is connected with the multiple frequencyIgenerator 4 of the type explained more fully in my copending application357,999, supra. The output of the multiple frequency selector by whichaudio frequency tones over the entire y frequency spectrum may besupplied to the visual picture reproducing screens and/or the recorderis shown connected to three separate channels designated channel l,channel 2 and channel 3. Each channel includes suitable audio frequencyamplification for amplifying the impulses supplied from the bank oflight-sensitive cells. The amplifier in channel No. 1 which connects tothe monitoring screen is indicated at 5. the output circuit of theamplifier being electrically connected to the monitoring screen in therear of the camera. which I have designated at 6. Inasmuch as themonitoring screen is located immediately adjacent the position of thelight-sensitive cells there is negligible drop in the channel circuit sothat a relatively small amount of amplification is required. Theintensity of the light reproduced on the monitoring screen is controlledby the adjustable cathode circuit which I have designated at 5a leadingto amplifier 5.

Channel No. 2 connects to the remotely located viewing screen andbecause of the substantial drop in the cable circuit contains a largeramplifier which I have represented at l adjustably controlled by cathoderheostat la, the output of the amplifier being connected to the remotelylocated viewing screen which I have indicated at 8.

In order that the views upon which the camera is focused may beperpetrated, I connect channel No. 3 to the recorder through amplifier9. Amplifier 9 is controllable as to amplitude of the transferred energyunder control of adjustable rheostat 9a. The output of amplifier 9connects to the recorder designated at I0. Any desired type of recordermay be employed such as a disc or cylindrical deformable record type;

type. 'I'hat is to say, any type of recorder capable of receiving andrecording a, multiplicity of audio frequencies constituting the elementsof the transmitted picture may be employed.

The camera employed in the phonovision system of my invention includes acasing II having a relatively flat rear surface I2 and a curved frontsurface I4 from which the objective lens system I5 of the cameraextends. I employ a stereoscopic lens system represented generally bythe objective lenses I6 and I1 which are capable of being trained uponthe object and which focus images of the object through a system ofoptical prisms upon the bank of light-sensitive cells represented at I.The bank of light-sensitive cells I are connected through a multiplecable I8 with the input circuit of the amplifier schematically shown inFig. 1.

Intermediate the bank of light-sensitive cells I and the optical prismsystem I provide a rotatable color filter carried by the rotatablescanning drum shown generally at 20 in Figs. 2, 3, 6 and 7. The colorfilter 20 is formed by a plurality of diagonally or spirally extendingbands arranged on the surface of the scanning cylinder as showngenerally at 2| and constituting the primary colors, that is, red,yellow and blue shown at 20a, 20h and 20c, respectively, arranged withrespect to a similarly disposed white band 20d. These filter bands areformed directly in the material of the scanning cylinder 2| or maybeapplied to the surface thereof. The scanning cylinder may be formed fromLucite, glass or other transparent material. The scanning cylinder 2I issupported transversely by means of a disc-like member 22 which isdisposed midway between the ends of the cylinder and is carried by theaxially extending shaft 23. The scanning cylinder 2l extends on eachside of the transverse disc 22 and as heretofore explained comprises thecolor filter portion 20 on one side. On the other side of thetransversely extending disc member 22 the scanning cylinder comprises acolor screen which I have indicated generally at 24. The color screenconsists of diagonally or spirally disposed bands of primary colorswhich I have shown at 24a, 24o, 24o, etc., that is, red, yellow andblue, respectively, associated with a white band 24d disposed in asimilar arrangement.

The shaft 23 which carries the disc 22 is journalled in bearings 25 and26 mounted in the ends of casing I4 so that the scanning cylinder isfree to rotate at a high rate of speed. I employ p'recision type ballbearings or roller bearings of anti-friction type for insuring highspeed operation of the scanning cylinder. Shaft 23 carries a gear 21thereon with which the drive gear 28 meshes. Motor 29 drives the drivegear 28 through a speed multiplying gear box 30 whereby high speedoperation of the scanning cylinder is obtained. A shelf member 3Iextending from the inner end wall of casing I4 forms a support for themotor 29. A similar shelf 44 extends from the opposite end wall of thecamera into the space within scanning cylinder 2| for the purpose ofsupporting the bank of light-sensitive cells I. Casing I4 is aperturedand provided with an insulated bushing 32 through which the cablesextending from and entering the casing are adapted to pass.

For the purpose of controlling the camera, I arrange a control panel 34adjacent the rear of the casing I4 and extending in a convenient planefor rendering the controls readily accessible to the operator. The panel34 carries a multiplicity of control attenuators for regulating thedegree of amplification in the channels connected with thelight-sensitive cells and leading to the channels which are arranged toamplify electrical impulses representative of the same color values, Theelectrical circuits for this camera have been shown in Fig. 11 fromwhich it will be seen that a separate amplifying system is provided forcontrol of electrical impulses of similar color values, that is, allimpulses representing red pass through one channel 35 and are controlledby attenuator 35a; electrical impulses representing yellow color valuespass through channel 36 and the intensity thereof is controlled byattenuator 36a; electrical impulses representing blue color values passthrough channel 31 and pass through attenuator 31a, while electricalimpulses representing white pass through channel 38 and are controlledby attenuator 38a. I have represented each of these attenuators oncontrol panel 34. Switch 39 is provided for starting and stoppingdriving motor 29 at the camera. Switch 40 is provided for cutting on oroff the monitoring screen 6; switch 4I is provided for cutting on andolf the remote viewing screen 8 while switch 42 is provided for cuttingon and off the recording apparatus I0. I contemplate the provision oflocal control switches for either the viewing screen and/ or therecording apparatus at the remote end of the system. The electricalconductors entering and passing out of the casing I4 connect with thecontrol switches on panel`34 as represented generally at 33, while theflexible cables 43 also connect with the switching mechanism on panel 34and extend externally of the camera to the associated apparatusdiagrammatically illustrated in Figs. 1 and 1l.

The monitoring screen comprising the multiplicity of gaseous dischargetubes located in positions similar to the positions of thelight-sensitive cells in the bank of cells I are disposed within thecylindrical color screen 24 in alignment with the aperture 45 in casingI4 across which there extends the translucent glass plate 46. Theoptical images of the object upon which the camera is focused appear onthis translucent screen so that the operator is advised as to thequality of the picture being transmitted by the camera to the remoteposition.

The viewing screen in the remote position may be of relatively smallsize as shown, for example, in the arrangement in Figs. 13-1'1, or theviewing screen may be of large size as represented in Figs. 8 and 12. Inthe arrangement illustrated in Fig. 8 I have schematically shown themethod of exhibiting pictures on a relatively large size screen fromimpulses stored upon a recorder. The method of recording the impulseshas been indicated generally in Figs. 1 and 11 and also explained in mycopending application 357,999, supra. The multiple frequency recorder isshown diagrammatically at 41 connected through amplier 48 to thefrequency selection circuit represented generally at'49 containing themultiunit electron tube 50 by which a selected tone frequency may bepassed to the output circuit 5I for transfer to the gaseous dischargetube associated with the relatively large size screen represented at 52.The screen 52 includes a multiplicity of gaseous discharge devices shownat 53 which are sectionalized to provide distinctively colored luminousdischarges, that is to say, there are four sections which I haverepresented at 54 including a gas for producing. for example, a reddischarge; a section 55 including a gas producing a yellow discharge; asection 56 enclosing a gas producing' a blue discharge and a section 51enclosing a gas producing a white discharge. These sections of thedischarge tube 53 are arranged to operate sequentially by means of amechanically driven distributor 68 consisting of ring members eachincluding four segments insulated one from the other represented at 59,60, 6| and 62 supported upon rotatably driven shaft 63. The ring membersare arranged in stacked relation on shaft 68 which is Journalled insuitable bearing support 64. Collector or slip rings 65 are provided onshaft 63 for the purpose of establishing connection with the segments ofeach of the ring members. Four collector rings 65 are provided for eachof the ring members, that is, a collector ring for each segment andelectrically connected with the segments and to each of the sections ofthe gaseous discharge tube 53. A brush contact member completes thecircuit to the output circuit of the amplier at .5l so that sections ofthe gaseous discharge tube are sequentially connected with the outputcircuit of the amplifier at l. It will be observed that the several ringmembers are displacedr step-by-step with respect to each other on thedistributor drum. This permits the several gaseous discharge tubes andthe sections thereof to be electrically connected in similitude in theorder which corresponds with the rotation .of the scanning filter 20 ofthe camera. That is to say, the position of the sections of the gaseousdischarge tubes is selected to correspond with the positions on scanningof the object by the color lter at the camera. To insure high speedoperation of the distributor 58 I provide a driving motor 66 whichoperates through a speed multiplying gear box 61 for driving thedistributor 58.

One of the elemental sections of the distributor and collector rings andsections of the gaseous discharge tube has been illustrated in Fig. 10for the purpose of explaining my invention. It will be seen that asequential connection of the sections of the gaseous discharge tube istimed to enable the sections of the gaseous discharge tube K to respondto corresponding color values of the object at the transmitter oraccording to recording impulses representing such color values.

In Fig. 11 I have illustrated a method of recording electrical impulsesrepresentative of an optical image where the color values of the objectare segregated into separate channels which may be independentlycontrolled and employed to effect a record on the same lm. The cameraincluding the bank of photo cells has been represented as before ascomprising light sensitive cells I', l, I, liv, Il', connected to theindependent grid electrodes of the multi-grid tube represented at 68.The multi-grid tube 68 is more fully explained in my copendingapplication, Serial No. 357,999 supra, and includes generally themultiplicity of grid electrodes 69', 69, etc., arranged adjacent thecathode 10 and the screen grid 1l and coacting with the anode electrodes12', 12", etc. The plate circuit for the multiple tube each includewindings 13, 13', 13, etc., connected to the separate anode electrodes.The windings are each subjected to the action of the variously shapedmagnetic inductors shown at 14, 14', 14", 14"', 141", etc., which arerotatably driven for producing in the individual output circuitsdifferent and discriminating audio frequencies. The frequency of thecurrent which is permitted to pass at any other of the output circuitsis representative of the color values in the object which is focusedupon the coacting light sensitive cell. The position of the cells in thebank of cells is such that the frequency of the currents which arepermitted to flow in the several output circuits can be recorded and/ordirectly reproduced for producing a picture in similitude with respectto the original object. The output circuits are shown connected to thechannels 35, 36, 31, 38, and 15, etc., leading to the input circuits ofamplifiers designated at 35h, 36h, 31h, 38h, and 15b, respectively. Theamplitude of the energy transferred by each of the amphers is indirectlycontrolled by suitable rheostats in the control circuits 35a, 36a, 31a,38a, and 15a, respectively. By virtue of such control circuits theamplitude of the current of selected frequency and accordingly the colorvalues represented by such current may be controlled. The outputcircuits of the separate ampliiiers lead to the recording lamps 16, 11,18, and 19 in the recording head of the light sensitive illm record 80.The photo cells in the different sections of the bank of cells which aresensitive to the same range of color values have the output circuits ofthe amplier terminating in the same recording lamp. Thus recording lamp16, responsive to values of red connects not only to the output ofamplier system 35h but also to the output of amplilier system 15b. Thewave trace 8| which is recorded -on lllm record 88 thus contains amultiplicity of dilerent frequencies representing the red valuesthroughout the object. The recording lamp 11 connects to the output ofamplifier 36h and to the output oi all of the other of the amplifiers inthe several channels which are responsive to the yellow -color values indil'erent parts of the object for thus recording on the screen the wavetrace 82 including various frequencies representing yellow color valuesthroughout the picture. Recording lamp 18 connects to the output ofamplifier 31o and to the output circuits of all of the other amplifierchannels representative of blue color values throughout the object sothat the recorded wave trace 83 includes frequencies representative ofall of the blue color values throughout the original object. The outputcircuit of amplifier 38o connects to recording lamp 19 selectivelyresponsive to the white color values of the original object and thissame recording lamp 19 connects to the output circuit of each amplier inthe channels over which the white color values are transmitted. Thus thewave trace 84 includes various frequencies representative 0f white colorvalues in various parts of the object.

In Fig. 12 I have shown one method of reproducing colored pictures ori ascreen under control or the film record 8U already prepared inaccordance with the method shown in Fig. 11. plurality of lightsensitive cells are arranged in the pick-up head individual to each ofthe recorded wave traces 8l, 82, 83, 84, from the nlm record 88. Thesecells are represented at 9|, 92, 93, and 94, each aligned with themultiple frequency wave trace which includes the several frequenciesrepresentative of predetermined ranges of color values. The lightsensitive cell 9| which is selectively responsive to frequencies of redcolor Values connects to the input circuit of amplifier which in turnconnects to the input circuit 96 of the multiple frequency tube system50. The multiple frequency selector tube system 5l) is similar inprinciple to the tube 50 illustrated in Fig. 8. The dilerent sections ofthe tube 50 are screened one from another and the input circuits 49,each selectively adjusted to transfer a selected tone frequency which isrepresentative of a particular color value. It will be understood thatthe input circuit and the output circuit of amplifier system 50 areselectively tuned to pass a particular frequency representative of thesame range of color values but in different positions in the screen 52precisely similar to the location of such color values in the originalobject. That is to say, the output circuit 91 and amplifier 50 connectsto section 54 of discharge tube 53 for reproducing the color red whileoutput circuit 98 connects to discharge section 54' in discharge tube 53for reproducing the color red corresponding to the frequency to whichinput circuit 99 and output circuit 98 of amplifier 50 are selective,which frequency is also indicative of position of the said color valuesin the original object. The output circuit connects to the red dischargesection of a red discharge section 54" of another discharge section 53"in a different location of the screen disposed in a location similar tothe location of the light sensitive devices in the original camera.Similarly the frequency selective circuit |0| connects to the reddischarge section such as 54"' or discharge tube 53" located in positionin the screen corresponding to the position of light sensitive recordingelements in the original camera. Additional sections of the selectortube connect to additional output circuits which I have representedgenerally at |02 for connection to the red section of discharge tubes incertain elemental areas of the screen located according to position ofthe original light responsive elements in the camera.

The yellow, blue and white color values are reproduced from the filmrecord through separate channels in a manner corresponding to the methoddescribed in connection with the reproduction of the red color values.That is to say, photo electric tube 92 responsive to the frequenciesdesignating yellow color values recorded in wave trace 82 on film record80 connects to the input circuit of amplifier |03 which connects toselector system |04 similar to the multi-unit tube 50, the circuits ofwhich discriminate as to frequencies designating the color values in theyellow color range throughout the different elemental areas of theobject. The output of selector system |04 connects to the yellowdischarge sections of the several discharge tubes throughout the screen52. That is to say, the output circuit |05 connects to the section 55 ofgaseous discharge tube 53 producing a yellow discharge. The circuit |06connects to the other discharge trace 83 containing frequenciescorresponding to the blue color values in the object. The output channelconnects to the blue discharge section 56 of discharge tube 53.Similarly, the frequency discriminating output channel ||2 connects tothe blue discharge section 56' of discharge tube 53. Output channel ||4containing impulses representative of blue color connects to the bluedischarge section of a discharge tube in another location of the screensuch as section 56" of discharge tube 53". Channel ||5 connects to theblue discharge section such as section 56" of another gaseous dischargetube such as tube 53"'. Additional output circuits connect to the bluedischarge section of other discharge tubes throughout the elementalareas of the screen.

The channel which reproduces the white color values throughout theelemental areas of the object connect to light sensitive cell 94disposed in the input circuit of amplifier H6. The output circuit ofamplifier ||6 connects to the frequency selector circuit having amultiplicity of frequency discriminatory output circuits represented at||8, ||9, |20, |2|. Output circuit ||8 connects to the white dischargesection 5l of gaseous discharge tube 53. Output circuit 9 connects tothe white discharge section 51' of gaseous discharge tube 53. The outputcircuitI |20 connects to the white discharge section of anotherdischarge tube such as the section 5l" of gaseous discharge tube 53".The output circuit |2| connects to the white discharge section ofanother gaseous discharge tube such as the white discharge section 51'of gaseous tube 53". Another frequency discriminating circuitcorresponding to the white color values of the object leading to thewhite discharge sections of other gaseous discharge tubes throughout theelemental areas of the screen 52. The foregoing dey scription relates tothe reproduction of pictures section 55' of gaseous discharge tube 53'for proy ducing a yellow discharge representing the particular frequencyand location of the corresponding light sensitive element in the camerawith respect to the obiect. Similarly, circuit |01 connects with theyellow discharge section of another gaseous discharge tube such as asection 55" in gaseous discharge tube 53". Similarly, the output channel|08 connects to the yellow discharge section of another gaseousdischarge tube such as section 55" of gaseous discharge tube 53"'. Thusall of the yellow color values of the original object are reproducedaccording to their locations on the screen.

Similarly. the blue color values are reproduced through channel |09wherein frequency discriminating circuits are provided in the inputcircuits which connect through amplifier ||0 with the light sensitivecell 93 that is aligned with wave on screens of relatively large sizecomparable to standard motion picture screens.

In Figs. 13-17 I have represented one form of relatively small sizeviewing screenpractical for home reproduction of pictures from disc orfilm records or direct operationover a line wire channel from the cameraat the transmitting station or by space radio. The apparatus is shown enclosed in a casing |22 containing at one side thereof an aperture |23which contains a translucentviewing screen |24. A cylindrical member |25having a cylindrical surface portion formed from transparent material issupported by an end plate on shaft |26 which is journaled at |21 and |28with respect to the walls of casing |22. The cylindrical transparentsurface |29 of cylindrical member |25 carries color screen |30 thereonformed by a multiplicity of spirally or diagonally arranged bands oftransparent zones of color which I have represented as red at |30a,yellow at |30b, blue at |300, and White at |30d. The angular disposition0f these bands corresponds with the angular arrangement of the bands ofthe color filters at the camera shown at 24a, 24h, 24C and 24d in Fig.5. The cylindrical member |30 is rotatably driven by means of gear |3|on shaft |26 which is meshed with gear- |32 driven from gear box |33 atrelatively high speed by motor |34. The motor |34 is carried by asupport |35 from which projects securing bolt members |36 havingsuitable spacing sleeves thereon represented at |31 to effectconnectionbetween the bolt members |36 and the lever |38 inpredetermined spaced relation. The side wall |22a of casing |22 isprovided with arcuate slots |38 through which the bolt members |38 withsleeves |31 thereon project so that angular movement of lever |38 aboutstud |48 as a center enables the motor driven mechanism to be orientedwith respect to the cylindrical member '|25. 'I'he lever member |38 isprovided with an enlarged centrai portion |4| which is journaled uponstud |40. Lever member |38 is counterbalanced by means of weight |42 sothat the motor mechanism is substantially floating within the cabinetstructure capable of being angularly shifted clockwise orcounterclockwise by means of the adjustable screw |43 which passesthrough the screw threaded angularly rockable project supPOrt |44 oncabinet structure |22. 'I'he screw |43 has an adjusting knob |45 on theextremity thereof and terminates in a substantially spiral head |46which fits into a similarly shaped socket member |41 carried by the endof the lever |38. Thus angular movement of lever |38 may be controlledallowing for lost motion and small angular shifts in position of screw|43 for adjusting with precision the position of the driving gear |32with respect to driven gear |8| in which the bank of discharge tubesconstituting the viewing screen of the apparatus is represented at |48supported on bracket |49 from the interior of cabinet |22 in alignmentwith the translucent screen |24 in aperture |23. The bank of dischargetubes is connected through cable |58 which passes through the wall ofcabinet |22 and through the cable entrance for connection with circuitsfrom a recording system or from a camera as represented for example, inFig. 1. 'Ihe cable entrance |5| also provides passage for cable |52leading to the driving motor |34. High speed operation of the motor isassured by the step-up gearing contained in gear box |33. Suitablesupports are provided for equipment of both the camera and thereproducer. I have represented, for example, in Figs. 2-5 inclusive asupporting head |53 which may be mounted upon a tripod for operation ofthe camera in the field. As heretofore mentioned I provide synchronousmotor drives for both the camera and reproducer thereby assuringsynchronized operation of the apparatus. u The adjustment |45 at thereceiver of Figs. 13-17 insures the proper alignment of the color screenwith the similarly arranged color filter at the camera for insuringreproduction of pictures with maximum clarity.

I have described my invention in certain of its preferred embodimentsbut I realize that modifications may be made. For example, I haveillustrated the use of banks of discharge tubes constituting thereproducing screens. I may employ other forms of electronic devices inthese parts and it is my intention that my invention shall cover allsuch lmodifications and I intend no limitations uponimy invention otherthan may .be imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is as follows:

1. In a system for recording electrical impulses representing insimilitude and color the elemental areas of an object comprisinglight-sensitive discriminatory means focused upon the object, said meansbeing discriminatory as to position and color of the elemental area ofthe object, separate channels for said means, a multi-frequencygenerator for producing individual currents of different frequenciesrepresentativeof the position and color values of elemental areas tubescorresponding in color value to the color sensitiveness of thediscriminatory means, individual connections between all of the channelstransmitting currents representative of the same color value and theluminous discharge tube corresponding to said color value, a film recordexposed to each of said luminous discharge tubes for recording currentsrepresenting the same color values in individual light traces on thenlm, and means individual to each of said channels for controlling theamplitude of the record trace on the illm for determining the intensityof the color values represented by the light traces.

2. In a system for reproducing pictures in color in combination with ascreen containing a plurality of luminous discharge devices distributedover the area thereof, each of said devices containing luminousdischarge sections of different color characteristics, connectionsextending from each of said luminous discharge sections, a multichannelselector connected to each of said connections, a record comprising aplurality of individual channels, the individual channels includingfrequencies representative of the same color values in the picture to bereproduced, a light-sensitive device individual to each channel, andconnections between an individual light-sensitive device and one of saidselectors for exciting from the said channel the luminous dischargeportion of the same color characteristic in each of the luminousdischarge devices distributed over the area of the screen forsynthetically reproducing a picture in color.

3. In a system for reproducing pictures in color, a screen containing aplurality of luminous discharge devices distributed over the areathereof, each of said devices including individual luminous dischargesections of different color characteristics, a distributor selectivelyconnecting the several sections of said luminous discharge device, amulti-channel yfrequency selective circuit coupled with saiddistributor, and a composite multiple frequency record containingfrequencies representing various picture components of different colorvalues connected with said selector, said distributor beingsynthetically operated for selectively rendering effective 'a luminousdischarge section of said luminous discharge device of a color valuecorresponding to frequency components supplied from said record throughsaid selector.

4. In a system for reproducing pictures in color, a screen containing aplurality of luminous discharge devices distributed over the areathereof, each of said devices including individual luminous dischargesections of different color characteristics, a distributor selectivelyconnecting the several sections of said luminous discharge device, amulti-channel frequency selective circuit coupled with said distributor,and a composite multiple frequency record containing frequenciesrepresenting various picture components of different color valuesconnected with said selector, said distributor containing electricalcircuit controlling elements displaced in sequential positioncorresponding to the effective scanning characterestic represented bythe electrical impulses contained in said multiple frequency record forrendering effective a particular luminous discharge section of saidluminous discharge device of a color value corresponding to the colorvalues represented by impulses delivered by said record through saidselector.

5. In a system for reproducing pictures in color,

of the object, individual luminous discharge 76 a screen containing aplurality of luminous dis.

charge devices distributed over the area thereof, each of said devicesincluding individual luminous discharge sections of diierent colorcharacteristics, a. distributor selectively connecting the severalsections of said luminous discharge device, a multi-channel frequencyselect-ive circuit coupled with said distributor, and a compositemultiple frequency record 'containing frequencies representing variouspicture components of diierent color values connected with saidselector, said 10 distributor containing circuit elements displaced fromeach other in spiral paths corresponding to the scanning characteristicscontained in the recorded impulses of said multiple frequency record forrendering effective selected luminous discharge sections of saidluminous discharge devices throughout the area of said screen throughsaid selector and torsaid record for synthetically reproducing a picturein color.

PAUL W. LANG.

